New Pickleball Facility Opens in Brooklyn Park
Pickleball enthusiasts have a new spot to play the popular sport in the northwest suburbs.
Pickle in the Middle, located north of Interstate Highway 694 in Brooklyn Park, opened its doors on April 1.
USA Pickleball Association Ambassador Steve Parobok playing at the Pickle in the Middle location in Brooklyn Park.
‘It’s like a dream come true’
On a weekday afternoon, you can find beginners and seasoned, state pickleball champs at one of the newest indoor pickleball facilities in the Twin Cities.
“Thank you to the city of Brooklyn Park for granting us permission to open this,” said Ann Rabe, co-owner and manager of Pickle in the Middle.
Rabe is grateful to be welcoming guests of all skill levels to her Brooklyn Park facility.
“It’s like a dream come true really,” said Rabe.
Pickle in the Middle opened April 1 in Brooklyn Park
The indoor location features a party room and five courts for players to enjoy.
“We rent by the hour, sometimes we have open play. We are also trying to get leagues on the books,” Rabe said.
For the third year in a row, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
One of the biggest draws of pickleball is that it serves so many different types of ages and abilities, making it accessible to many.
“If you have some decent hand-eye coordination, you are fine. You can play the game,” said Steve Parobok.
Parobok started playing in 2015.
He is what you would call a die-hard when it comes to pickleball.
“I play at five different venues. Sometimes twice a day,” say Parobok.
The USA Pickleball Association ambassador attributes the sport to having helped him get back on his feet after suffering a massive heart attack. Now he’s encouraging everyone to pick up the sport.
“Anyone can play it,” said Parobok.
And Ann Rabe hopes Pickle in the Middle will become a sweet spot for many players to visit.
“I haven’t met anybody who plays, who says I don’t want to do that again,” said Rabe.
